The Relic Radio Show: "Rocky Jordan and Have Gun, Will Travel"

Release Date: December 31, 2024

Overview

In this episode of The Relic Radio Show, listeners are transported back to the golden age of radio with two captivating stories: "Rocky Jordan and The Loomis Affair" and "Have Gun, Will Travel." Hosted by RelicRadio.com, the show expertly weaves suspense, drama, and adventure, showcasing the timeless appeal of old-time radio entertainment.

Rocky Jordan: The Loomis Affair

Plot Summary

The episode opens with Rocky Jordan, proprietor of Cairo’s bustling Cafe Tambourine, unwittingly entangled in a mysterious murder case. After a routine visit to the Bank of Egypt to inspect insurance papers, Jordan discovers that a fellow customer, Frank Loomis, has been brutally knifed to death in the safety deposit vault. Suspicion quickly falls on Jordan due to his prior conflict with Loomis and the discovery of Loomis’s money in Jordan’s safety deposit box.

As the police, led by Sergeant Greco and Captain Sam Sabia, build their case against him, Jordan embarks on a quest to uncover the truth. He investigates the other individuals present at the bank during the time of the murder, including B. Moolak, a woman with a crooked cane, and Nicholas Markedian, a high-ranking official in the Greek Orthodox Church. Despite eliminating these suspects, the evidence against him remains compelling.

Determined to clear his name, Jordan tracks down Joseph Diotto, a man previously believed to be connected to the case. However, Diotto escapes custody and boards a flight out of Cairo, raising more questions about his involvement. As Jordan delves deeper, he uncovers a broader conspiracy involving stolen money, hidden motives, and manipulated evidence.

In a climactic confrontation, Jordan meets Ms. Fano, the true perpetrator who manipulated events to frame him. It is revealed that she collaborated with Bartlett to divert suspicion and conceal the real motive behind Loomis's murder. The story concludes with Jordan’s realization of the intricate web of deceit spun around him, ultimately leading to his vindication as the true culprit is exposed.

Key Characters

• Rocky Jordan: The savvy and determined owner of Cafe Tambourine, thrust into a murder investigation.
• Frank Loomis: The victim, whose death sparks the central mystery.
• Sergeant Greco: The relentless police officer keen on arresting Jordan.
• Captain Sam Sabia: The stern police captain overseeing the investigation.
• Joseph Diotto: A suspicious figure initially suspected but later cleared.
• Ms. Fano: The cunning mastermind behind the frame-up.

Notable Quotes

• [07:45] Captain Sam Sabia: "The evidence against you is too strong."
• [22:10] Rocky Jordan: "There must be another answer someplace."
• [35:30] Ms. Fano: "I killed Frank Loomis."

Have Gun, Will Travel

Plot Summary

The second story, "Have Gun, Will Travel," introduces listeners to Paladin, a noble gunslinger operating out of the Carlton Hotel in San Francisco in 1875. Paladin is summoned to the ranch of Renato Donatello, a wine magnate struggling against the detrimental effects of industrial pollution threatening his vineyard. The antagonist, Timothy Jerome Gorman, seeks to ruin Donatello’s wine by dumping oil waste, leading to environmental decay and economic loss.

Upon arriving at the Donatello estate, Paladin assesses the dire situation where Smokers from oil tanks are contaminating the grapes, rendering the wine bitter. Donatello reveals his desperation to save his vineyard and asks Paladin for assistance. The ensuing conflict escalates into a tense standoff when Gorman confronts Paladin, leading to threats and the potential for violence.

Paladin employs his wit and combat skills to neutralize the threat, ultimately negotiating a truce between Donatello and Gorman. Through strategic thinking and persuasive dialogue, Paladin brokers a deal that prevents further destruction of the vineyard and restores peace between the rival parties. The resolution highlights Paladin's role as a mediator and protector of justice.

Key Characters

• Paladin: The honorable gunslinger adept at resolving conflicts.
• Renato Donatello: The distressed vineyard owner fighting against environmental sabotage.
• Timothy Jerome Gorman: The antagonist whose actions threaten Donatello’s livelihood.
• Teresa Donatello: Renato’s resourceful sister, assisting in the negotiations.

Notable Quotes

• [52:15] Renato Donatello: "This vine and winery mean everything to me."
• [1:10:45] Paladin: "It's a crime to destroy a vineyard that produces the best wine in the state."
• [1:23:30] Paladin: "Only mutual of omaha can handle such protection."

Conclusion

This episode of The Relic Radio Show masterfully blends mystery and western genres, offering listeners a rich auditory experience filled with intrigue and classic storytelling. "Rocky Jordan and The Loomis Affair" presents a complex whodunit with unexpected twists, while "Have Gun, Will Travel" delivers a quintessential western tale of honor and conflict resolution. Together, these stories exemplify the enduring charm of old-time radio dramas, making them accessible and engaging for both long-time aficionados and new audiences alike.

Production Credits

• Rocky Jordan written by Gomer Cool and Larry Roman
• Have Gun, Will Travel created by Herb Meadow and Sam Rolf, written by Ken Cold, adapted by John Dawson
• Cast Highlights: Jack Boyles, Jay Novello, Blanche Hawkins, Lawrence Dobkin, Virginia Gregg, Waldo Everson
• Produced and Directed by Cliff Howell and Norman McDonnell
• Original Music Composed and Conducted by Richard Arunt

For more episodes and vintage radio treasures, visit RelicRadio.com and explore their extensive collection of old-time radio shows. Support the preservation of these timeless stories through donations and enjoy a nostalgic journey into radio's illustrious past.